Clamp for violin-strings



(No Model.)

J. B. MAHONEY.

CLAMP FOR. VIOLIN STRINGS.

No. 577,964. Patented Mar. 2, 1897.

flitor y E PFIER CO PHOYO LITHD WA H NGYON D Q UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN B. MAHONEY, OF AFTON, MINNESOTA.

CLAMP FOR VIOLIN-STRINGS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 577,964, dated March 2, 89'7.

Application filed May 12, 1896. Serial No. 591,253. (No model.)

To ctZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, JOHN B. llIAHONEY, of Afton, IVashington county, Minnesota, have invented certain Improvements in Clamps for Violin-Strings, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in clamps adapted to be secured to the ordinary tailpiece of a violin to hold the end of the string; and to this end it consists in the construction hereinafter more specifically described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is a face view of a tailpiece for stringed instruments with my invention applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a side view of the same. Fig. 3 is a partial section through the tailpiece, illustrating a side view of my clamp. Fig. at is a similar section taken through the clamp, and Fig. 5 is a similar viewillustrating a modified form of my invention.

In the drawings, A represents the ordinary tailpiece of a violin provided with the keyhole-slots 2, through which the strings are passed. Secured in the keyhole-opening is my improved clamp B. This preferably consists of the two spring-arms at and 5, having at one end the hinged connection 6. The clamp is secured in place by means of the threaded bolt 7 its upper end being provided with the thumb-nut 8. The bolt 7, as shown, is screwthreaded through the jaw 5 and passes loosely through the jaw 6, so as to allow the closing of the jaws by the adjusting of the thumb-nut 8. The inner faces of the jaw members are preferably covered with suitable soft material 9, so as to better grip the string.

In the modified construction shown in Fig.

5 the clamp members are not connected bya hinge, but the clamp is formed of suitable spring material, so that the jaw members can be closed by the tightening of the thumbnut.

I am aware that it is not new to provide the tailpiece of a stringed instrument with clamps to hold the ends of the strings, and I merely claim the specific construction described in the foregoing specification. By means of my construction one or any number of these clamps can be quickly applied to the ordinary tailpiece of a violin without in any way altering the construction.

I claim 1. In combination with the tailpiece of a violin, the clamp secured thereto, consisting of two similar connected jaws,the bolt screwthreaded in the lower jaw and passing loosely through the upper jaw, and securing the clamp to the tailpiece, and the thumb-nut threaded upon the bolt above the clamp for closin the jaws upon an intermediate string.

2. In combination with the tailpiece of a violin, the clamp secured thereto consisting of two similar connected jaws, the bolt screwthreaded in one jaw and passing loosely through the other, and securing the clamp to the tailpiece, the thumb-nut threaded upon the bolt above the clamp for closing the jaws upon an intermediate string, and the soft lining upon the inner face of the jaws to prevent injury to the string.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN 13. MAIIONEY.

IVitnesses:

H. S. JOHNSON, MINNIE L. THAUWALD. 

